Laundry separators

Abstract

Laundry separating devices that are configured to be inserted within a laundry drying chamber of a dryer machine are disclosed. The devices include a central frame having at least two sides with a first telescoping extender. The devices include at least two side arms connected to the central frame, with each side arm including a telescoping extender. The devices include a set of joints that connect the two side arms to the central frame, which allow each of the side arms to rotate about an axis. The devices include a set of telescopic clutches, with a clutch included in each of the central frame and the two side arms (the telescopic clutches are configured to allow the telescoping extenders to be lengthened, shortened, and locked into a desired position). The devices further include at set of separation panels, which are configured to be reversibly connected to the central frame and the two side arms.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A laundry separating device that is configured to be inserted within a laundry drying chamber of a powered dryer machine, which comprises:
 (a) a central frame having four connected sides, with two sides of the four sides having a first telescoping extender; 
 (b) at least two side arms connected to the central frame, with a first side arm having two sides that include a second telescoping extender and a second side arm having two sides that include a third telescoping extender; 
 (c) a set of joints that connect the at least two side arms to the central frame, wherein the set of joints are configured to allow each of the at least two side arms to rotate about an axis; 
 (d) a set of telescopic clutches, with a least one clutch included in each of the central frame and the at least two side arms, wherein (i) a first telescopic clutch is configured to allow the first telescoping extender to be selectively lengthened, shortened, and locked into a desired position; (ii) a second telescopic clutch is configured to allow the second telescoping extender to be selectively lengthened, shortened, and locked into a desired position; and (iii) a third telescopic clutch is configured to allow the third telescoping extender to be selectively lengthened, shortened, and locked into a desired position; and 
 (e) a set of separation panels, wherein the separation panels are configured to be reversibly connected to the central frame and the at least two side arms. 
 
     
     
       2. The laundry separating device of  claim 1 , wherein (a) each separation panel within the set of separation panels comprises a porous material that is configured to permit air flow through the separation panel and (b) each separation panel within the set of separation panels is configured to be independently attached to and removed from the device. 
     
     
       3. The laundry separating device of  claim 1 , which further comprises a frictional material that resides on a distal end of the central frame and a distal end of the at least two side arms, wherein the frictional material is configured to make contact with an inner surface of the laundry drying chamber. 
     
     
       4. The laundry separating device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the central frame and the at least two side arms exhibits a cylindrical configuration. 
     
     
       5. The laundry separating device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is comprised of heat-resistant plastics, metals, elastomers, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       6. The laundry separating device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to be positioned adjacent to, and to be supported by, a series of paddles included within the laundry drying chamber.